And the official USA MSRP for the 2014 SLS AMG Black Series is $275,000 - 200 pound weight gain for US model with 3616 curb weight?

Here we are, official pricing for the C197 SLS AMG from MBUSA. The MSRP is a cool $275,000 plus $1,800 for destination and delivery but who's really counting at that point? It was basically common knowledge the car would come in at just under $300,000. No sticker shock for those already intending to buy it who are people that already have a good relationship with their dealer and the dealer knows they have the money. You don't just waltz in and pick one of these up.

What's interesting to note is the curb weight is listed at 3616 pounds in this press release. The original SLS AMG Black Series press release quoted a curb weight of 3417 pounds. So almost exactly a 200 pound weight difference? What gives? The weight gain is likely attributed to US crash test standards requiring different seats than the lightweight ones in the European model. Really, we do not know exactly as Mercedes does not say. It seems they are just hoping nobody noticed. BenzBoost sure did.

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today announced pricing for the 2014 SLS AMG Black Series coupe and the 2014 C63 AMG Edition 507 sedan and coupe. Both models are part of an exclusive lineup of high-performance AMG models available at all U.S. Mercedes-Benz dealers. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing for the MY14 SLS AMG Black Series is $275,000 (plus $1,800 for destination and delivery). Pricing for the MY14 C63 AMG Edition 507 sedan will begin at $70,000 (plus $925 for destination and delivery) and the C63 Edition 507 coupe is priced at $72,500 (plus $925 for destination and delivery).

AMG – these three distinctive letters embody automotive high performance, exclusivity and exquisite craftsmanship. Founded in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, AMG is distinguished as the high performance division of Mercedes-Benz, reflected in its unique vehicles and impressive successes in the world of motorsport. Today it is a one hundred percent subsidiary of Daimler AG and is the group's technological spearhead in the high-performance car segment. The AMG brand promise of "Driving Performance" stands for state-of-the-art technology and pure driving excitement.
2014 SLS AMG Black Series Coupe
Having made its global auto show debut at the 2012 Los Angeles International Auto Show in November 2012, the 2014 SLS AMG Black Series coupe goes on sale in the U.S. in extremely limited production beginning August 2013. Featuring a direct transfer of motorsports technology from the SLS AMG GT3 race car, the fifth Black Series model (fourth in the USA) from Mercedes-AMG boasts a fascinating mix of breathtaking design, outstanding driving dynamics and lightweight construction in line with the "AMG Lightweight Performance" strategy. With a curb weight of 3,616 pounds, the 2014MY SLS AMG Black Series achieves a power/weight ratio of 5.81 lb/hp. The AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine generates a power output of 622 hp at 7,400 rpm and accelerates the most dynamic SLS of all time to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
The SLS AMG Black Series achieves a whole new level of performance with an adjustable coilover AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension, AMG high-performance ceramic two-piece brake system and weight-optimized, forged AMG light-alloy wheels with specially developed, ultra high-performance tires. Additional highlights include an electronically-controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission featuring spectacular shift and response times using dual clutch technology. The standard AMG Aerodynamics package delivers a further boost to the vehicle's handling and driving dynamics.

Black Series is a name that resonates with automobile experts and enthusiasts worldwide. Following the SLK55 AMG Black Series from 2006 (European model), the 2008 CLK63 AMG Black Series, the 2009 SL65 AMG Black Series and the 2013 C63 AMG Black Series, the fifth in the lineup sees the Black Seriesenter a whole new dimension with the iconic SLS AMG. "The new SLS AMG Black Series is a perfect study in the one hundred percent transfer of technology and engineering from motorsport to road. We have drawn inspiration from the worldwide success of the SLS AMG GT3 customer sport racing car on both a conceptual and a technological level. Boasting numerous lightweight components and fascinating dynamics, our fifth Black Series model guarantees pure, unadulterated 'Driving Performance.' The SLS AMG Black Series is the ultimate choice for fast laps and a highly emotional driving experience," says Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

"Fans of high-performance super sports cars will be fascinated by its high-tech package. The basis for passionate performance and supreme driving dynamics is provided by numerous new developments in the engine, transmission, suspension and aerodynamics – also giving top priority to our ‘AMG Lightweight Performance’ strategy. Outstanding efforts in the field of lightweight design have resulted in a curb weight of 3,616 pounds," notes Tobias Moers, Head of Total Vehicle Development and Member of the Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The uprated AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine generating a power output of 622 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque is a synonym for thrilling driving dynamics, making the 2014MY SLS AMG Black Series the most powerful AMG high-performance automobile with a combustion engine. Only the SLS AMG Electric Drive with a maximum output of 740 hp has more power.The key data at a glance:

I'm so sick of cars being heavier over here. The whole point of this car is to be light. Happens all the time. Instead of those paper thin carbon buckets, which are awesome, we get the full on comfort seats which belong in an S Class. Really unfortunate.

I'm so sick of cars being heavier over here. The whole point of this car is to be light. Happens all the time. Instead of those paper thin carbon buckets, which are awesome, we get the full on comfort seats which belong in an S Class. Really unfortunate.